Viscometric and electron microscopic analysis of effects of griseofulvin and its derivatives on in vitro polymerization of microtubule proteins and depolymerization of microtubules

Griseofulvin and its sixteen derivatives were investigated by viscometry to examine their effects on in vitro polymerization and aggregation of microtubule proteins and depolymerization of microtubules. Of these compounds, eight pairs of enantiomers were compared in their activities. Electron microscopic studies were performed in several samples. The results indicate that in the C ring moiety of griseofulvin derivatives natural (+)-griseofulvin structure is essential to show their functions on microtubule proteins and microtubules.